Tools Down: The impact of tool theft on UK trades

Although new legislation has come into force in recent years to help mitigate the issue, including the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023, data suggests that tools are still being stolen at an alarming rate. The true impact of these thefts goes far beyond the financial loss.

At Markel Direct, we surveyed 500 UK skilled trade workers in the industry, to get a better understanding on exactly how tradespeople are being affected. We uncovered where and how tools are being stolen, what preventative measures are being taken, and what emotional and professional strain the experience has caused. We’ve also gathered FOI data from UK police forces to reveal the country’s top vehicle tool theft hotspots.

The number of tool theft victims

Whether it’s a van broken into overnight or equipment stolen from a site, having your tools stolen can derail work, cost you dearly, and potential leave lasting stress behind. Tool theft isn’t a rare occurrence; our research revealed that it’s happening on a staggering scale across the nation.

According to our survey, 66% of tradespeople have experienced tool theft. Even amongst those who haven’t had their tools stolen themselves, 27% still knew someone who had, suggesting that the issue is industry wide.

But where exactly are people falling victim to tool theft the most? Well, according to our regional data, of the respondents who had been a victim of tool theft, Northern Ireland topped the list with a staggering 85% of tradespeople reporting a theft. It’s followed closely by Greater London (83%) in second place, with Yorkshire and The Humber taking the 3rd spot (67%). The results indicate that this isn’t a localised issue and it’s something that has impacted tradespeople up and down the nation.

Percentage of tradespeople that have experienced tool theft in each UK region:

Taking a closer look, the city-level data paints a similar picture. Belfast came in first place with 85% of tradespeople reporting tool theft, followed by London in second place with 74%, and Sheffield not far behind with 72%, taking 3rd spot. In contrast, cities like Brighton (38%) and Norwich (40%) reported the lowest levels of theft, although even these figures showed that nearly 4 in 10 tradespeople had been targeted.

Percentage of tradespeople that have experienced tool theft in each UK city:

Most stolen tools

For the majority of trades, tools aren’t just expensive, they’re essential. Whether it’s the drill used daily or a battery that powers multiple devices, having just one piece of kit stolen can be enough to throw an entire job off course. When thieves strike, it’s often these everyday essentials that are targeted first.

Of the respondents who have been a victim of tool theft, it was clear which tools were most stolen, with power tools dominating the list, particularly those that are compact and high-value. Drills came out on top, with 56% of victims reporting that their drill had been stolen, followed by electric screwdrivers (39%) and tool batteries (36%). It highlights that thieves aren’t just targeting whole toolkits; they’re also picking off individual components that are both in demand and simple to swipe.

The data suggests that thieves aren’t necessarily targeting niche equipment; they’re also going after what’s commonly used and easy to shift. That includes items like sanders (26%), hedge trimmers (21%), and even power washers (18%). So, no matter what specific trade you're in, there’s a good chance your gear is on a thief’s radar.

The survey data also revealed that the average value of tools stolen during a theft was a staggering £1,119. But the impact doesn’t stop there - as a knock-on effect, 32% of tradespeople advised they lost 1-2 days of work, which was the most common setback amongst respondents. Based on an average day rate of £238*, this amounts to an eye watering £476 in lost earnings – taking the cost of a single instance of tool theft to £1,595.

Where people are stealing from the most

Where tools are stored can make a huge impact on whether they’re more likely to be stolen or not. Vans, sheds, garages, and even job sites all come with their own set of risks and even then, the data suggests that criminals aren’t exactly picky about where they strike, as long as the opportunity is there.

According to our survey, the data proves that construction sites are the number one hotspot for tool theft, with 40% of tradespeople reporting that their tools were stolen whilst on-site. Given the fast-paced, often unsecured nature of building sites, especially on larger projects, it’s not hard to see why. Combine this with the amount of tradespeople entering and leaving the site, individuals sharing tools with colleagues, it can be hard to keep an eye on your tools at all times.

However, theft isn’t just confined to the job. Vans are clearly targets no matter where they are parked, as our survey revealed that they were targeted when parked on-site (35%), at home (29%), or in public car parks (22%), highlighting the vulnerability of trades vehicles once the working day ends. So, it’s clear that while taking expensive kit out of the van after a long day at work may be inconvenient, it might be worth it to ensure that your tools remain safe.

Although, not everywhere is safe. Tools stored in outbuildings such as sheds or garages were also targeted, with 18% of tradespeople reporting thefts from these areas. Alarmingly, 7% of tradespeople stated that their tools were stolen from inside their homes, showing that even private, seemingly secure spaces aren’t completely safe. So, while it’s less of a risk to have them in your home, you’ll still have to take precautions to keep your tools safe.

This aligns with findings from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which reveal that thefts from vehicles are far more likely to happen during the week (74%), particularly at night. In fact, 82% of vehicle-related thefts occurred between 6 pm and 6 am, with most taking place at or near the owner’s home. The ONS data also shows that 79% of these incidents happened at residential locations, split between semi-private areas like garages or driveways, with 45% stating they were taken from there and 34% confirming it happened when parked on public streets near the home.

So, unfortunately, whether tools are locked in a van, tucked in a shed, or left onsite, the threat of theft is a round-the-clock concern, especially during the quieter, darker hours when vigilance is low. For tradespeople, it’s another reminder that safeguarding your kit isn't just about where you work, but how you store and secure it once the tools are down. Even being diligent and taking your tools inside after work doesn’t always guarantee their safety.

Put the safety on: precautions people are taking

With tool theft impacting such a large proportion of tradespeople, it’s no surprise that many workers are now taking a proactive approach and taking steps to protect their equipment. So much so, security has become part of the daily routine for tradespeople across the UK.

Concern over tool theft isn’t just growing, it’s actively changing behaviour. Compared to our previous study in 2023, 8% more tradespeople are now removing their tools from vehicles overnight, rising from 35% to 43% in just two years, to reduce risk. It’s a simple but effective habit that avoids leaving high-value items unattended in vulnerable vehicles. And when it comes to protecting vans themselves, the number of tradespeople investing in specialist van locks has nearly doubled, jumping from 16% in 2023 to 28% in 2025. This shift shows that as theft continues to rise, tradespeople are responding with tougher, more proactive security measures, not just to protect their tools, but to also have peace of mind. Others have taken their security to the next level, with 35% using secure storage boxes or cabinets, to 34% going as far as installing CCTV or surveillance systems. Additionally, 33% of tradespeople have added another barrier for thieves, by parking their vans in garages.

However, these precautionary measures aren’t always feasible for everyone. If you’re a tradesperson who doesn’t have access to a garage and you have to park on a street, there are still ways to protect your tools. In fact, 28% of respondents have stated that they’ve added alarms or specialist van locks, whilst 23% have opted to engrave or mark their tools, and 18% use GPS tracking to help locate stolen items if the worst does happen. The focus on security isn’t just about taking precautions; it’s rooted in ongoing anxiety. A staggering 64% of tradespeople said they worry about tool theft daily, with over half (55%) admitting to actively avoiding working in certain areas due to the fear of having their equipment stolen. These concerns don’t just affect day-to-day logistics; they also shape where people work, how they store their gear, their daily routines, and how they run their businesses.

The survey also highlighted that a third of tradespeople don’t have tools insurance. For tradespeople, obtaining the appropriate level of public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance could protect them against claims that may arise, but they don’t cover tool theft. As a result, this could leave tradespeople vulnerable to incurring the costs of replacing tools if stolen, or incur a loss of income whilst they replace their tools.

Tool theft hotspots

Understanding where tool theft is on the rise can shape the decisions tradespeople make, from the areas they choose to work in, to the precautions they take to protect their kit. Using Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, we analysed police records to uncover the UK’s worst tool theft hotspots, pinpointing the locations where vehicles are most often targeted for their tools. 

Interestingly, the latest data on vehicle tool thefts reveals that tool theft crime is no longer concentrated in major urban centres. It’s quietly surging in areas once considered safe, turning quiet country lanes into crime hotspots. Gloucestershire, for example, saw an astonishing 767% rise in thefts per 10,000 people, transforming it from a low-risk zone into a hotspot over the space of a year (2023-2024), and it’s not alone. North Wales followed suit with a 400% increase in vehicle tool thefts. This is flanked by traditionally quieter counties like Derbyshire, and Devon and Cornwall all recording jumps of 60% and 57% respectively. These figures suggest that criminal patterns are evolving and tradespeople in smaller communities are now facing similar risks to those in the capital.

Meanwhile, London’s Metropolitan Police area, despite still having the highest overall rate, saw a significant drop in tool theft crimes. This could suggest that targeted interventions have been successful. Avon and Somerset stood out here with a substantial 45% year-on-year decrease in vehicle targets. These figures hint that successful prevention strategies and public vigilance can help to turn the tide against criminals.

Months to be extra cautious in

To get a better understanding of when tool theft crimes are more prevalent throughout the year, we used FOI data to look at tool theft trends over the last few years. Knowing when seasonal crime spikes are going to hit can make a difference between keeping your toolkit safe and facing costly downtime. Tools are the backbone of the trades, so understanding when to take more proactive steps when tools are most at risk, can help to keep trade businesses running.

In 2024, January and April emerged as the most prolific months for theft, with a total of 1,275 and 1,188 cases reported, respectively. The early-year spike could be down to darker mornings and evenings, or post-holiday complacency when routines haven’t yet settled. April’s rise may be linked to the start of the busier construction season, when more vans are likely to be on the road. Interestingly, the pattern wasn’t the same in 2023 in term of months, as thefts hit their peak during October with 1,573 reports, and November with 1,439 reports. However, it continues the trend of darker mornings and evenings in the lead up to Christmas.

So, while tool theft risk is a year-round issue, it’s important to know that peak danger periods shift over time. By tracking seasonal trends, you can take extra precautions, such as removing tools overnight, upgrading locks, and arming alarms and CCTV when they matter most.

Supporting the Equipment Theft Act and the Theft of Tools of Trade Bill

Amanda Martin

Tool theft has been a long-standing issue in the UK. However, in recent years we have seen new bills being passed through parliament that act as a deterrent to thieves, including the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 and – more recently – the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill, which is due to receive its second reading in October 2025.

In our study, we asked tradespeople if they would support the introduction of the Theft of Tools of Trade Bill, which aims to increase the severity of sentencing for the theft of tools used by tradespeople. An overwhelming 91% of respondents supported the bill.

We spoke to Amanda Martin, Labour MP for Portsmouth North, and sponsor of the Theft of Tools of Trade Bill. After reviewing the survey data, Amanda said: “It’s no surprise that 91% of tradespeople back this bill, tool theft is one of the biggest issues they face. This overwhelming support shows how urgent and widespread the problem is.”

Martin also goes on to explain the widespread impact that tool theft has on its victims: “Tool theft is destroying lives and crippling our construction industry. Stealing a van full of tools does not just mean the loss of equipment worth thousands of pounds, but weeks without work, lost contracts, and mental distress. Construction already has the highest suicide rate of any profession, four times higher than other occupations, and tool theft is making this crisis worse.”

Rob Rees, Divisional Director at Markel Direct, said: “Our study shows how prevalent and detrimental tool theft is to the trades and construction industry. It’s impacting the livelihoods of tradespeople across the UK, with no location for storing tools completely safe from being targeted by thieves. We welcome new legislation, which aims to reclassify tool theft to a higher sentencing category, acting as a stronger deterrent to would-be thieves. Additionally, by taking proactive security measures and arranging tools insurance cover, tradespeople can minimise the financial and operational impact of tool theft on their business”.

Top tips to protect your tools

While there is no guaranteed way to keep thieves at bay, there are plenty of preventative measures tradespeople can put in place to mitigate the risk and overall impact of tool theft. We’ve put together our top tips you can implement to help keep your tools safe and give you peace of mind.

Remove valuable tools from your van when unattended
Vans are often targets for tool theft. Removing tools from your van overnight can reduce the risk of theft. If removing all tools is not practical, consider relocating the most valuable items to a secure area in your home each evening and ensuring you arrange 24 hour tool insurance cover should the worst happen.

Increase security measures on vans and other storage
Upgrading your van’s security with alarms, immobilisers, and trackers can help deter thieves. Well-lit parking areas and features like fencing or motion lighting also boost safety.

Use visible deterrents
Visible measures like GPS tracking signs, active alarms, and security cameras can make tool theft less appealing by increasing risk for thieves. Even fake cameras or alarms can help to discourage criminals.

Use stickers and signs
Where adding CCTV cameras, van alarms, or motion sensor lights isn’t feasible, displaying warnings that your tools are marked, traced, or stored securely can be enough to put some thieves off. Stickers on your van, toolboxes, or windows can act as a low-cost, low-effort deterrent.

Photograph your tools
Take clear photos of each of your tools, ideally showing serial numbers and any distinguishing features. These images can be incredibly useful if your tools are recovered by the police, and they can also help speed up any insurance claims.

Personalise your kit
Thieves are far less likely to target tools that are visibly marked or customised. Try etching your initials or company name onto your equipment or use bright paint or stickers to make them stand out. Anything that makes resale harder can work in your favour.

If that’s not your style, engraving or UV marking your tools with your name, postcode or business name makes them harder to sell and easier to trace. It’s a small step that can increase the chances of recovery and strengthen your case when reporting theft to the police or your insurer.

Keep a record of serial numbers
Maintaining a full inventory of your tools, complete with serial numbers, brand names, and purchase dates, can be a game-changer if anything is stolen. Having this information to hand can help police identify your tools and support your insurance claim.

Use GPS trackers for high-value items
For particularly expensive tools or equipment, consider investing in discreet GPS trackers. While not foolproof, they can help pinpoint the location of stolen gear and potentially assist police in recovering it.

Take out specialist tool insurance
Even with the best precautions, theft can still happen and not all insurers specifically covers the theft of tools. That’s why obtaining the appropriate level of tool insurance is a worthwhile consideration. At Markel Direct, we offer specialist tools insurance that covers the cost of replacing stolen or damaged tools, whether they’re taken from a van, job site, or locked premises, helping you get back to work quickly and with minimal disruption. It seems that more and more tradespeople are recognising this value, as tool insurance has risen from just 42% in 2023 to 66% in 2025, according to our previous study. It’s a smart and simple way to protect not only your tools, but your livelihood and reputation as a business.

It’s clear that tradespeople are very aware of the risks that they face daily regarding tool theft, but they’re also adapting to the current landscape. More tradespeople are removing tools overnight, fitting specialist van locks, and taking out tools insurance, showing that prevention is fast becoming part of everyday working life. For those in the trade, having a specialist tools insurance policy, and combining this with practical steps, such as personalising tools, recording serial numbers, and staying on high-alert during high-risk periods, can make a real difference. By staying informed and being proactive, tradespeople can keep their tools and their livelihoods secure against the growing threat of theft.

Methodology

A survey was conducted using Censuswide of 500 tradespeople in the UK over the age of 18. The survey took place between 23.06.2025 - 26.06.2025

FOI data was collected by requesting the number of tool thefts from vehicles from each police force area in 2023 and 2024 broken down by month. Of the 46 forces emailed, data was collected from 27, which are featured in the study, the remaining 19 either did not respond in time or declined to share the data due to admin time.

Data was also used from the Crime Survey for England and Wales from the Office for National Statistics, indicating time of day and location of thefts from vehicles, although not specifically tools.

Office for National Statistics licensed under the Open Government Licence v.3.0

*Average day rate was taken from combining the minimum average day rates of fifteen different trades from Checkatrade